With fresh resolve, she would strive to appreciate the small details in her life. She drew her hand back over the red leather seats. Bennett had spent months restoring this car, a labor of love he’d given her before they married.
Beside her, he flexed his fingers and rolled his neck. The salt-tinged breeze whisked away the dust and fatigue of the day, leaving only the anticipation of a beautiful sunset in its wake.
“We all worked hard today,” he said. “Moving the furnishings would have taken longer if you hadn’t had such an organized approach.”
“You can thank Poppy for that.” Her niece had invited family and friends and made a workday into a party. That was a brilliant idea, with the young, strong cousins all trying to outwork each other. Some were still there, proving themselves. The difference between being in her forties versus her twenties was that now she valued self-preservation.
In other words, she knew when to quit or take a break. Physically, anyway.
Massaging an aching arm, Ivy glanced out to sea, watching waves glimmer in the fading light. If only she could catch this precise moment in her artwork. She wouldn’t have the time or space to devote to painting until the renovation was complete. Although her studio was sealed off, she had sketch books she could carry with her.
Turning back to Bennett, she said, “Let’s take the rest of the night off. Reed’s crew arrives early in the morning.”
“You got it.” Bennett turned the radio dial to an old pop rock station, and an old Beach Boys tune about good vibrations filled the air. He tapped the steering wheel to the beat. “Here’s our vibe.”
She snapped her fingers. “I love this song. Do you know how to play it?”
“It’s been a while, but I can probably manage it,” Bennett replied, a smile tugging his lips.
“The first time I ever saw you, you were playing a guitar on the beach. You have no idea how many times your soundtrack ran through my mind.”
“And here we are again.” Bennett slowed by a spot off the road where they had an unobstructed view of the horizon and turned off the ignition.
They were still dressed in worn jeans and T-shirts. Ivy’s shirt bore traces of dust they’d disturbed, and Bennett had a smudge across one cheek she found endearing.
She leaned over to wipe it before kissing him and resting her head on his shoulder. The sun was sinking quickly toward the horizon. Just then, her stomach growled, and she laughed. “Didn’t mean to spoil the moment.”
Bennett put a hand to her stomach and grinned. “Can’t have you riding on empty. Wait here.”
He got out to open the trunk. When he returned, he was carrying their wicker basket, a thick moving blanket, and his guitar case.
“You’re an angel. I didn’t see you pack the car with a picnic.”
He shook his head. “I’m not giving away my secrets.”
Quickly, she climbed out to spread the blanket on the sand.
“I didn’t want to let this day go by without celebrating.” He knelt and produced a bottle of sparkling water with fresh lime wedges that he poured for them. Seagulls soared overhead, and he nodded up at them. “I brought a spread of food, but those are smart rascals. Shall I feed you?” He brought out a bunch of red grapes.
She remembered once when seagulls had swooped in to steal their sandwiches. “Would you peel them, too?”
Laughing, Bennett gave her a handful of grapes. “Don’t press your luck.”
“What else do you have tucked away in there?”
“You’ll see.” Next up were wedges of cheese and artisanal crackers.
Ivy sat beside him, pleasantly bewildered but enjoying this mini feast. “Are we celebrating the commencement of construction?”
“You don’t know?”
“All I know is that you sure know how to sweep a lady off her feet.”
“You’ll remember in a moment.” Bennett kissed her, then ran a piece of dark chocolate over her lips.
She closed her eyes. “Mmm, my favorite.”
“Which one, this or me?”
